Friars Corner: Our greatest blessing? Closeness to Jesus!
Fr. Bob Hilz, TOR
Genesis 18:1-10a; Ps 15:2-5; Colossians 1:24-28; Luke 10:38-42
(Please continue to pray daily a Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the conversion of our country back to its Jewish-Christian principles. Also continue to pray for the conversion of all terrorists and the “hot spots” of the world, especially in France and Turkey. It only takes 5 minutes. Thank you in Jesus holy Name.
The Genesis story today about Abraham and his three guests reminds me of our guardian angels who were sent by God to accompany us through our earthly journey. We don’t have to give them anything. They are pure spirits who don’t need food. They are there to protect and guide us always. Praise God!
In the past few weeks, I have been asking you to set aside a quiet home “chapel, study place” away from the TV. There we pray, read the scriptures and perhaps study. As we do, we get filled more with God’s light and power. When we go from that place we glow more with the love and glory of Jesus. He lives in us from the time of our baptism and wants to make us more like himself.
The short gospel of St. Luke 10:38ff today, is very powerful as we think it through. St. John, Chapter 11, tells us more of the relationship of Martha, Mary and the death of Lazarus, Jesus’ dear friend. This brother and sisters lived just two miles outside of Jerusalem over the Mount of Olives. At times Jesus and his disciples would stay at their home when they were in Jerusalem for feasts. Martha was so excited at having Jesus visit that she was running around getting things ready to serve Jesus. Can you imagine what you would do if Jesus came unexpectedly to your front door?
Mary was also very excited about having Jesus come to visit. She was “so captured by his presence and love” that she just stayed at his feet, absorbed by Jesus and what he was sharing with her. Our prayer time can be like that if we recognize who it is who wants to spend some time each day with us. Jesus tells us wonderful stories about himself and what he wants to do for us. I have an awesome picture of the face of Jesus, the best I have ever found. I often just sit and look into his beautiful blue eyes and smiling face. I just absorb his love and tell him how I want to love him more. Try it. You will really be amazed as his light and joy increases in you.
May today and the rest of the coming week fill you with more of the love of Jesus for you and yours. I pray for your closeness to Jesus. You will never be disappointed
Peace and all good!
+ Fr. Bob Hilz
(© 2016 Fr. Bob Hilz, TOR)
